Yet more subsidy frustration

Negotiations will resume at a later date. That was the main outcome of the latest round of trade talks in Geneva, where delegates grappled with the thorny issue of farm subsidies.

Developing countries have been demanding an end to the massive subsidies rich countries pay their own farmers. They say that such subsidies violate free trade rules, allowing farmers in the US, Europe and Japan to sell their produce at prices non-subsidised farmers cannot compete with. Ending such subsidies would have profound effects on rural societies and the environment (New Scientist, 8 May, p 8).

There were fears that the talks would collapse, as happened almost a year ago in Mexico. On Sunday, however, the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) claimed a "historic" agreement had been reached, under which the US and the European Union will start to cut some subsidies. But organisations campaigning for change were ...

To continue reading this article, subscribe to receive access to all of newscientist.com, including 20 years of archive content.

To continue reading this article, log in or subscribe to New Scientist

App + web

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$25.99 - Save 65%

12 issues for $2.17 per issue

with continuous service

Print + web

Print

Web

$28.99 - Save 61%

12 issues for $2.42 per issue

with continuous service

Print + app + web

Print

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$39.99 - Save 73%

12 issues for $3.33 per issue

with continuous service

Web

Web only

$49.99

30 day web pass

Prices may vary according to delivery country and associated local taxes.